Manchester University awards scholarships to incoming students for academic excellence and leadership

North Manchester, IN (01/07/2026) — Manchester University has announced the recipients of its most prestigious scholarships for the incoming class, recognizing outstanding academic achievement, leadership, service and commitment to community.

Among this year's top honorees are Gabrielle Vance of Fishers, Indiana, and Kalli Davis of Wabash, Indiana, recipients of Manchester University's Honors Scholarship Award. The Honors Scholarship Award covers tuition, fees, on-campus housing, and meal plan expenses for up to four years, representing the University's highest level of undergraduate merit-based support.

Vance, a senior at Hamilton Southeastern High School, plans to pursue a career in pharmacy and brings strong academic credentials, leadership experience, and hands-on healthcare exposure to Manchester. Davis, a senior at Wabash High School and first-generation college student, plans to study Applied Mathematics and education and will compete as a pitcher on the Spartan softball team while continuing her deep commitment to service and leadership.

In addition to the Honors Scholarship Award recipients, Manchester University has awarded Trustee Scholarships-valued at $28,000 each-to a distinguished group of incoming students who have demonstrated academic promise, leadership involvement, and engagement in athletics and campus life.

The 2025 Trustee Scholarship recipients include:

Joanna Erbaugh, North Manchester, Ind. - Peace Studies

Hailey Jordan, Kokomo, Ind. - English: Professional & Creative Writing

Brady Leininger, Angola, Ind. - Applied Mathematics; Men's Cross Country and Men's Track & Field

Amaya Mogollon, Fort Wayne, Ind. - Communication Studies

Krystin Nelson, Tustin, Mich. - Exploratory Studies; Women's Wrestling

Chase Pekny, Brookston, Ind. - Biology-Chemistry/Pre-Medicine; Men's Wrestling

Jaime Prater, Rochester, Ind. - Pre-Pharmacy; Co-ed Cheerleading

Turner Price, Anderson, Ind. - Software Engineering; Esports

Jackson Thompson, Alger, Ohio - Biology-Chemistry/Pre-Medicine; Men's Baseball

Chloe Westerfield, Cicero, Ind. - Criminology; Co-ed Cheerleading and Women's Volleyball

Hayden Whittenbarger, Decatur, Ind. - Business Management; Men's Cross Country and Men's Track & Field

Katelyn Woolwine, Crawfordsville, Ind. - Elementary Education; Women's Track & Field and Women's Cross Country

"These students exemplify the academic excellence, leadership, service and engagement that define Manchester University," said Pam Haynes, Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs and Honors Program Director. "Through the Honors and Trustee Scholarship programs, Manchester is investing in students who are prepared to lead, serve, and make a meaningful impact on campus and in their communities."

High school seniors applied for these scholarships in the fall. Top applicants were personally invited to Scholarship Day in December where they went through a series of in-person interviews by Manchester faculty to determine the winners. Winners were notified in late December and will begin their education in Fall of 2026.

Manchester University's merit-based scholarship programs are designed to make college education accessible while recognizing students who align with the University's values of leadership, service, and academic excellence.

For the media

Manchester University, in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., offers vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more at www.manchester.edu/about-manchester.

Manchester University respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.

Manchester University

Manchester University awards scholarships to incoming students for academic excellence and leadership

Manchester University

Share this Story

Recent News